Our geography education is designed to ignite, within our learners, a curiosity and fascination about the world and the people who inhabit it. We aim to equip our learners with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and human and natural environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human
processes.
It is our aim to ensure our learners acquire the knowledge they need to love the planet and all within it, whilst understanding their position within the world and how they can be a part of the actions taken to protect it.
Our learner’s geographical learning experiences begin in KS1 within the immediate surroundings of the school grounds, this then moves on to Whiston, the United Kingdom,Europe and builds out to the wider world, with studies on Brazil and Russia.
Their understanding of how their local area fits into the wider world is therefore gradually obtained.
Understanding of physical geography begins with study around coasts and seas in KS1, to mountains and rivers in LKS2 and earthquakes and volcanoes in UKS2. More in-depth studies allow children to develop their understanding of the interactions between physical and human geography, with units on the Brazilian Rainforest in LKS2 and on Russia in UKS2.
We have made a conscious decision to complete our geography learning simultaneously within an academic year. This will be on a two year cycle with Cycle A covering geography learning and Cycle B covering history learning. This is to ensure that progression across the curriculum is clear, building on prior knowledge, and that full coverage of NC expectations for each phase are mapped out.
Progression in fieldwork skills is built across units, with thelocal area unit in KS1 and UKS2 offering rich opportunities for mapping, technical drawing and exploring their environment in a concrete physical way.
Key technical and tier 2 vocabulary is progressively mapped within each unit, allowing children to build a rich bank of geographical language. During Cycle B, we have systematically planned in geography learning days, throughout the year, focussing on specific aspects of geographical skills and locational knowledge for our learners to continue
to exercise and apply their knowledge.
Each unit is supported by a Knowledge Organiser which details the key facts, vocabulary and skills for each unit. This is sent home in advance of the unit, allowing children to prepare on their learning. All geography learning is supported through use of a work book.
Y1/Y2 AUTUMN TERM-MY LOCAL AREA
Y3/4 AUTUMN TERM-THE NORTH WEST
Y5/6 AUTUMN TERM POLAR REGIONS